Meshing

April 29, 2026

ResFracPro uses a fully integrated mesh that simultaneously discretizes the wellbore, hydraulic fractures, and the surrounding matrix. In every timestep, the simulator solves the governing equations across all mesh elements, capturing coupled flow, geomechanics, and heat transfer throughout the system.

The wellbore is meshed as line-segment elements extending to surface. Fracture elements are rectangular, and matrix elements are cuboids. The mesh is nonconforming, meaning that matrix element edges do not need to align with fracture or wellbore element edges — giving flexibility in model setup without sacrificing accuracy.

This guide explains how to configure the wellbore, fracture, and matrix meshes, including guidance on element sizing, mesh refinement, and the trade-offs between resolution and simulation run time.

Download the full PDF guide here.

Learn why both independents and supermajors trust ResFrac

Search